Missions

The SNAPPER project aims to develop innovative tools in aerodynamic flow metrology, based on the development of miniaturized MEMS designs exploiting a heat-transfer sensing method for mean and fluctuating wall shear stress measurements. To that purpose, we will use the non-contact Joule heating of metallic nanostructures enhanced by the thermo-plasmonic effect at resonance, thereby serving as nano hot-wire probes. The heating element will consist in a MEMS structure (bridge, membrane or other shapes) made of a material that is both thermally and electrically insulating (SiO2 or others), functionalized by a network of gold or silver metal nanoparticles. With this concept, it is possible to envision any temperature profile with arbitrary spatial distribution. For efficient heating, beam shaping of the illumination will be carried out using the most advanced integrated optics technologies.
The recruited candidate will take in charge the theoretical work consisting in the numerical investigation of different geometries of lithographically patterned metal nanoparticles, to optimize absorption and heat generation at wavelengths in the visible or NIR. Isolated, coupled and periodic arrangement or particles will be considered, for which different shapes will be compared, from simple cylinders to more complex ones such as nano-cones, nano-stars, nano-crescents... For coupled nanoparticles, typical geometries like dimers of nanocylinders, bow-tie antennas or ensembles of more than 2 particles which have been proven to exhibit interesting plasmonic properties will be tested. The idea is to exploit the strong enhancement of field and absorption which occurs in interparticle nanogaps. Thermo-plasmonic simulations will be performed in order to identify the most promising configurations, by evaluating the difference in temperature reached in the environment as a function of the optical power input. The optimization process will concern as well the substrate, whose thermal properties will be assessed as a function of its thermal conductivity and heat capacity.

Activities

The candidate will work as part of the ANR SNAPPER (Nanoscale Plasmonic Hot-Wire Probe for Wall Shear Stress Measurement and Imaging in Subsonic and Supersonic regimes) project, under the supervision of Prs. G. Lévêque and A. Akjouj of the Ephoni team at the IEMN (University of Lille). He/she will design and model thermo-plasmonic nanosystems for applications in aerodynamic flow metrology. Simulations will be carried out using a finite element method (comsol multiphysics). The most interesting systems will be proposed for manufacture and characterization. The candidate will work in interaction with experimentalists and students. He/she will participate in the analysis and interpretation of data, and in the preparation of manuscripts.

Skills

The ideal candidate will have a PhD degree in engineering, physics or similar disciplines. Solid experience in numerical modeling of electromagnetic waves in micro/nano-structured media is required, as well as a good knowledge of plasmonics.

Work Context

The Institute of Electronics, Microelectronics and Nanotechnology (UMR CNRS 8520 - https://www.iemn.fr/en/) is located in Villeneuve D'Ascq, near the city of Lille (France). With a total staff of over 500, the institute has a wide range of research activities, from physics and materials science to micro and nanotechnology. The post-doc will work in the Ephoni theoretical team, led by Prof. Y. Pennec and located on the Cité Scientifique campus of the University of Lille. The team has long-standing expertise in the theoretical study of wave propagation in phononic, photonic and plasmonic nanostructures/crystals. Collaborations with the Femto-ST laboratory in Besançon and the ONERA company are also planned.

The position is in a sector covered by the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival is authorized by the competent authority of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research.

The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival is authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.

Constraints and risks

No constraints.